The coaching staff for the NULC Football Academy in partnership with Newcastle Town Football Club have a vast amount of experience in youth development at professional and semi- professional clubs. They are as follows:

Dave Sutton- Football Development Co-ordinator & Academy Coach

Dave Sutton began his career playing at Stoke City for 5 years, progressed onto Crewe Alexandra for 2 years, and finished at Leek Town which culminated in him playing at Wembley in the FA Trophy final. Dave has vast amounts of experience in local football and has 11 years of coaching experience which has included being 1st team manager at Kidsgrove Athletic, Leek Town & Newcastle Town. Dave is a Level 3 qualified coach and is currently the Football Development Co-ordinator and coach within the Academy, and Newcastle Town reserve team manager.

Keith Harrison- Academy Coach

Keith has a large amount of experience in coaching players at all levels and ages. He is an FA level 3 qualified coach, and also An FA level 5 Sports Psychologist. Keith has worked at a number of large clubs which include Manchester United as an Academy coach from 2000-2005. Keith also has experience of working within the Armed forces as this has been his primary career, which culminated in him being appointed the RAF’s under 23 national team manager from 2005- 2008. Keith is currently an England selector for the British Colleges West Midlands region, head coach at Keele University and academy coach within the college.

Dave Beswick- Academy Coach

Dave has a large amount of experience in semi-professional football having played for clubs such as Alsager Town, Nantwich Town and Kidsgrove Athletic. Dave used this experience and developed a career in coaching which has seen him become a Level 3 FA qualified coach, and work at clubs such as Port Vale and Wolverhampton Wanderers within their youth academies. Dave is currently the Head Coach/ Assistant Manager at Kidsgrove Athletic.

Steve Sumnal- Lecturer in Sport & Academy Coach

Steve completed an MPhil and BSc in Sports Science at the University of Wales, Swansea. He then continued his studies at Liverpool John Moores University, completing his PGCE. Steve has completed his Level 3 (UEFA B) Football Coaching Award and coaches one of the Academy football teams.

Ross Cope- Lecturer in Sport & Academy Coach

Ross studied at Manchester Metropolitan University for a BA Hons in Coaching and Sport Development. Additional Qualifications include FA level 3 (UEFA B) coaching football and a Level 2 qualification in Treatment and Management of Sports Injuries.

In addition Ross has also gained a PGCE in Further Education. Ross coaches one of the Academy football teams.

Anthony Bossons- Physiotherapist

Ant completed his BSc (Hons) Sports Therapist course and began working with PVFC first team in 2006 before moving to a consultancy role with the UK Athletics team and GB Swimming team (went to the 2007 World Swimming Championships with Team GB) which is still current.

In 2009 Ant attained the FA Diploma in Treatment, Management and Rehabilitation of Injuries. As a result of this success he has been invited to become a member of the FA Medical Staff and appointed as Sports Therapist at Newcastle Town FC working with mentor, Rob Riles (Head Physiotherapist-England U.16 Team).

Mel Harling- Lecturer in Sport & Sport Science Support Office

Mel is a university graduate from Leeds Met University - Carnegie; with a BSc. Hons in Sport and Exercise Science. Mel's specialist subject areas include: Anatomy, Exercise, Physiology and Biomechanics of Sport. Her specialist sports include swimming, gymnastics and football. Mel has also played football for Stoke City Ladies FC, and Bradwell Belle’s and is an experienced fitness instructor and personal trainer.